Diving Deep for Sea Shells

by Stella Castellucci, Edgar Amaya (With)

Stella Castellucci's tells the story of her remarkable life in music. Born in Los Angeles in 1930 to musician father Louis Castellucci, Stella would go on to continue and further his legacy. Stella joined Peggy Lee's touring jazz group in 1953. They would form a close friendship that would endure past Peggy's life. Stella witnessed and took part in a very creative time for Peggy Lee in the 1950s. They would closely collaborate on the 1958 Decca release "Sea Shells."

Stella would also appear on the albums: Songs in an Intimate Style (Decca, 1954), Black Coffee (Decca, 1956), Dream Street (Decca, 1957), The Man I Love (Capitol, 1957), Jump for Joy (Capitol, 1958), Pretty Eyes (Capitol, 1960) and Christmas Carousel (Capitol, 1960).

Learn the story behind the making of these and other classic recordings, including the Ella Fitzgerald and Louie Armstrong album Porgy & Bess. Stella remains a devoted friend to her "Big Sister" Peggy, even appearing for Lee's ninety-second birthday celebrations in North Dakota. This book was created through extensive e-mail exchanges, phone conversations, and visits between Stella and Edgar. We hope that the love and joy in writing it carries over to our readers. Fans of Jazz, Peggy Lee, harp music, and the album Sea Shells are sure to enjoy the look back.

ebook

First published July 23, 2014

About the author

Stella was born in Los Angeles, California in 1930. Growing up with a musician father, Louis Castellucci, she wanted to continue his legacy by becoming a musician herself. So, it is not a wonder that she has always been inclined to study and learn music.

In 1953, she joined Peggy Lee’s touring jazz group. She worked closely with Peggy in a collaboration project on the 1958 Decca release, Sea Shells. She also appeared on many of Peggy Lee’s albums including Songs in An Intimate Style, Style (Decca, 1954), Black Coffee (Decca, 1956), Dream Street (Decca, 1957), The Man I Love (Capitol, 1957), Jump for Joy (Capitol, 1958), Pretty Eyes (Capitol, 1960), and Christmas Carousel (Capitol, 1960). So, as you read Stella’s tale, you will also learn the story behind the making of these classic recordings. Even after Peggy’s death, Stella kept contact with Peggy’s family.

Apart from Peggy, Stella also had collaborated with other famous artists, such as Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald, Barry White, and many more.